News

Mo Farah inspired me to go for gold... cufflinks!

WHILE everyone from celebrities to politicians have been doing the “Mobot” in tribute to Olympic Hero Mo Farah, one Wickford jeweller has come up with his own
unique way of honouring the double gold medallist.

Michael Stapleton, owner of Michael Frank in The Broadway, Wickford, was so inspired by the long-distance runner’s performance at the London 2012 Olympics, he wanted to do something special to mark
his momentous achievements.

So he decided to approach the athlete’s charity – the Mo Farah Foundation – which raises cash to help those affected by famine and drought in East Africa, and make a special commission for the
organisation’s first fundraising event.

Mr Stapleton – who took over the jewellers three years ago when his father retired – is making a bespoke pair of 18-carat gold and diamond cufflinks.

The 31-year-old jeweller said: “When they showed Mo after he won with his family, he seemed like a really down-to-earth family person and it just struck a chord with us.

“He said he got where he is today through grafting and hard work, and that just shows anything is possible. He really is a great role model.

“I just wanted to do something for his charity, so I got in touch with them and decided to make these cufflinks.”

Mo has provided a copy of his signature which Mr Stapleton will engrave to scale, using a laser, on the front of the oval-shaped cufflinks.

As well as featuring the medallist’s signature, the cufflinks are expected to also have the words “London 2012” or “2012 Champion” with the zero in 2012 replaced by a diamond.

Even without Mo’s signature, the cufflinks are worth around £2,500.

They will be sold off during a star-studded auction at London’s Grosvenor Hotel on September 1.

Mr Stapleton added: “I’ve heard Mo is quite interested in bidding for them himself – I would love to see them end up with him.”